LOS ANGELES -- The Cardinals finally decided to place center Rodney Hudson on Injured Reserve on Saturday, keeping him out of at least the next four games and potentially ending his season.
Hudson has been dealing with a knee issue since training camp. He started and played the first four games this season but has not been available since. He has only practiced once since the Panthers game Week 4, and that was on a limited basis.
With kicker Matt Prater still having some problems with his right hip and with an illness, the Cardinals also signed kicker Tristan Vizcaino. Vizcaino will join his ninth NFL team. He has made 9-of-10 field goals in his career although only 12 of 17 extra points.
Prater did not make the trip to Los Angeles with the team, but the team kept him questionable for Sunday, so there is a chance he can fly in later.
In addition, the Cardinals activated safety Charles Washington from IR to the roster and elevated offensive lineman Rashaad Coward from the practice squad.
Washington helps in case Budda Baker cannot play Sunday. Baker is a game-time decision, as is quarterback Kyler Murray. If Murray can't play, Colt McCoy would start.
The earliest Hudson could return would be the Dec. 18 game against the Broncos, although he can't have his practice window opened until after the Dec. 12 Monday night game against the Patriots.
Sean Harlow had originally been Hudson's replacement at center, but since then, Billy Price has usurped Harlow.
Hudson had strongly considered retirement in the offseason, in large part because he wasn't sure if his body could still hold up to the rigors of an NFL season. While he hadn't played at the Pro Bowl level he once did in his career, Hudson's knowledge and experience helped Murray and the Cardinals' record with Hudson in the lineup has been much better than when he doesn't play.
